Modified Cellulose Structuring in Aqueous Detergents
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing detergent compositions rely heavily on surfactants for structuring, which are costly and may not be suitable for skin contact, and there is a need for a safer, cheaper alternative that can maintain rheological profiles and clarity while reducing surfactant levels.
Innovation Solution
A structured aqueous detergent composition using partially oxidized modified cellulose, where C6 primary alcohols are oxidized to carboxyl moieties in a range of 10 to 70% of glucose units, combined with low concentrations of anionic or zwitterionic surfactants, to create a soft gel-like consistency that suspends sensory enhancers without settling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If higher levels of surfactant are used for structuring, then thickening and structuring capability is improved, but cost increases and suitability for skin contact deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical parameters of cellulose by controlling the degree of oxidation (10-70% of C6 primary alcohols oxidized to carboxyl moieties). This parameter change transforms insoluble cellulose into water-dispersible modified cellulose that can function as a structurant at low levels (0.5-5 wt%) without the skin contact issues associated with high surfactant levels.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces expensive surfactants with a cheaper alternative - modified cellulose derived from renewable plant resources. This biopolymer provides equivalent or superior structuring capability at lower cost and with better safety for skin contact applications.
2Stability of the object's composition
If completely oxidised cellulose is used, then solubility is improved, but structuring capability deteriorates due to depolymerisation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent identifies and controls the critical parameter of oxidation degree, specifying that only 10-70% of C6 primary alcohols should be oxidized. This controlled parameter change achieves the optimal balance: enough oxidation to improve water dispersibility while preserving sufficient polymer integrity to maintain structuring capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies partial oxidation rather than complete oxidation. By oxidizing only a portion (10-70%) of the C6 primary alcohols, the patent achieves sufficient water dispersibility while avoiding the excessive oxidation that would cause complete solubility and loss of structuring capability through depolymerisation.
3Stability of the object's composition
If C6 oxidised cellulose is used, then water dispersibility is improved, but cost increases due to intensive processing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent specifies a controlled oxidation degree (10-70%) that achieves adequate water dispersibility without requiring intensive processing. This parameter optimization reduces manufacturing complexity and cost compared to complete oxidation methods while still providing sufficient dispersibility for detergent applications.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution allows for reduced surfactant usage, maintaining thickening and clarity, suspending particles effectively, and providing a biodegradable, renewable product with pleasant sensory characteristics.
Implementation Method 1
the modification consists of the cellulose having its C6 primary alcohols oxidised to carboxyl moieties (acid/COOH-) on 10 to 70% of the glucose units
Implementation Method 2
to create a soft gel-like consistency that suspends sensory enhancers without settling
Implementation Method 3
Such surfactant containing detergent compositions, especially compositions comprising mixed surfactants, tend to be highly thixotropic, or even to gel
Data Source
AI summary
A structured aqueous detergent composition comprising modified cellulose and surfactant characterised in that the composition comprises: a) 0.2 to 10 wt %, preferably 0.4 to 7 wt%, anionic surfactant or zwitterionic surfactant or mixtures thereof, b) 0.5 to 5 wt %, preferably 1 to 2 wt%, dispersed modified cellulose biopolymer, wherein the modification consists of the cellulose having its C6 primary alcohols oxidised to carboxyl moieties (acid/COOH-) on 10 to 70% of the glucose units and substantially all the remainder of the C6 positions occupied by unmodified primary alcohols, c) 0 to 10 wt % non-surfactant electrolyte; d) 0 to 15 wt% other conventional detergent composition additives e) balance water. The invention also provides a method to manufacture the composition.